Effects of tracer methodology on intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Objective To observe the effects of tracer methodology when used to trace and manage emergency intravenous thrombolysis processes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) . Methods The patients' attendance process was traced, improved and constantly optimized according to the theoretical basis of tracer methodology. A total of 112 AIS patients who received thrombolysis from September 2015 to August 2016 (before tracer methodology was implemented) were divided into the control group, while another 160 AIS patients who received thrombolysis between September 2016 and August 2017 (after tracer methodology was implemented) . The time between arrival and thrombolysis administration and hospital treatment were compared between the two groups. Results After tracer methodology was carried out, the time used between arrival and admission by our stroke treatment team in the observation group was (4.1±1.2) min; the time between arrival and imaging examination was (18.8±11.2) min; the time between imaging examination and thrombolysis administration was (22.5±10.2) min; and the time between arrival and thrombolysis administration was (44.6±12.5) min, all shorter than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusions The application of tracer methodology effectively reduces door to needle time, improves the efficiency of intravenous thrombolysis in AIS patients. Key words: Stroke; Tracer methodology; Acute ischemic; Intravenous thrombolysis